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I recently read an article about some lady who thinks that Bridesmaids are pointless. She states her feelings, and boom, end of article. I felt kind of bad reading this, I thought to myself, shoot. My friends must hate that I asked them to be a bridesmaid. Why didn’t I think about this more. I should have done the same and not even have asked them.

But as I started thinking more about it, I felt silly. I didn’t ask my friends to be my bridesmaids because I wanted them to tie bows to favors or buy expensive dresses or be my props. It’s because they’re my friends. And who else is going to hug me, make me laugh and tell me to breathe? Or who will calm my nerves and tell me I’ve already had enough mimosas? Who’s gonna reassure me that I look great?

I asked these ladies to join me because I love and trust them. I want them to stand up there with me, and support me. And hold my hand and cry with me when West and I try to read our vows. It’s not because I need them to hold my flowers. What am I? 2?

The ideas that people have forced on us about traditions are not stronghold. We can make things what we need them to be. What is right for us.

Plus, what about groomsmen? They do the same thing, no? Is there some famous guy out there talking about how he wants to not make his best pals deal with the troubles of a wedding? No. Because this is supposed to be a happy time.

If you can’t afford something, just say it. Tell you bride or groom or whoever for that matter, that you just can’t. It’s not far-fetched. It’s fine. We’re not all loaded super stars.

Guys, weddings are not supposed to be stressful. Dude, it’s about love.

I am marrying the guy that I totally love. My bff. And his bff’s and my bff’s will all be partying in a few months to celebrate that. If that’s too much work for anyone… Then the world obviously has lost their sense of happiness, gratuity and joy.

It’s tough business. Trying to keep up with life, happiness, responsibilities and everything else that happens in between. It’s also challenging to be true to yourself, the person you used to be or the person you want to be.

Somewhere in between saving money, getting onions and asparagus at the grocery store and doing a daily 9-9 grind. You forget about your light.

It didn’t go anywhere, it just got put away.

My light used to be expression. Expression through writing, drawing and photography. Given I take a lot of selfies and write a lot of things on social media, it will never be the same as pulling out a fresh notebook, opening to that first page and letting your mind and heart free.

This is why, in the midst of certainty and uncertainty, I’ve decided to start writing again. The challenge will be to fill a page daily until the end. End of the notebook I mean.

Super excited to be selected as a Fitfluential Ambassador this past week. I’m all about sharing food ideas, workout inspiration and fashions and all things happy. Looking forward to connecting with an inspirational network and feeding off of their sweaty and fabulous energy.

It’s hard out here for everyone. Everyday is a hustle. Work hard, play hard. There are lots of things that I can say when it comes to my work ethic, but at the end of the day I just want to do good stuff with good people. I need to feel happy with what I am doing. It needs to offer me balance and provide a constant state of education. Otherwise, all I look at is my hourly rate and lose interest quickly.

I am happy to say that I have not felt like that for a few years now.

Recently I was nominated for Femme & Fourtunes Phenomenal Females under 30 by the amazing powerhouse Antoinette, of At Media Design in Philadelphia. To be nominated by someone who I look up to is certainly blush worthy and adds happiness to my soul. This lady is truly amazing and balances a high-pressure and demand career, a strong relationship with her community, peers and friends all while being married and enjoying all of life’s pleasures. #swoon

2. What do you do?
I am a marketing director for several small businesses in Philadelphia. I also work at a digital agency in Chicago as a social media coordinator. Finally, I keep my epic nerdiness in check by teaching 5 classes a week (Spin & Cardio Sculpt).

3. What neighborhood in Philly do you call home?
I’m an all around Philly girl. From Frankford to Mayfair, to the Art Museum area and Chestnut Hill.

4. What is your favorite thing right now about Philly?
My favorite thing about Philly right now is the food scene. It’s so respected and well rounded with delicious, high end, comfy-cozy down-right amazing and diverse options for every palette.

5. What do you consider your greatest achievement thus far?
My greatest achievement has been being able to maintain 5 amazing businesses as clients in Philadelphia all the way from Chicago. I moved here with my mister when he was offered an opportunity and thankfully all of my clients agreed to let me at least try. Since then goals have been not only reached, but surpassed and my relationships with them have grown into amazing friendships. So much happiness with that.

6. If not yourself, who would you like to be?
I don’t want to be anyone else. I mean, I look up to people, I learn from others and I take in all the know-how possible, but I am pretty darn happy with myself.

7. Your idea of happiness.
My idea of happiness is being able to share love with people. Eat good food often. Get sweaty after a satisfying workout. And the feeling of accomplishment.

10. What do you appreciate the most in your friends?
My friends are honest. Let me laugh at myself and are incredibly supporting and encouraging. My friends are perfect.

11. Favorite food in Philly?
Crab Gauc at El Vez. Amada’s bacon wrapped dates. All of the menu at Sabrina’s. Bacon at Honey’s Sit and Eat

12. Favorite drink in Philly?
Ginger Lemonade at HipCityVeg – The Great Pumpkin at Sip-N-Glo – The classic Margarita at Dos Segundos Cantina in NoLibs

13. Favorite song right now?
Wild for the Night – ASAP Rocky

14. A book you plan on reading?
Any cookbook. ALL of them. Also, Clever Girl by Tessa Hadley.

15. A book that powerfully impacted your life?
The Bible. Seriously. The Bible forced me to ask questions that some people didn’t seem ready to answer. Some of the questions I asked helped me to realize that I had a voice. That I wanted people to listen and not just think that I was ok with saying yes to everything and believing something for the sake of believing it.

16. Name one historical figure you would like to have coffee with.
The person who figured out that lychee was edible. Former President Bill Clinton and for the stories…Frank Sinatra.

17. How do you like your coffee?
Bustelo. A little cream, nice and sweet.

18. Your main fault.
Being blunt. My father taught me to say what was on my mind. Sometimes it’s not the nicest, but it’s also been a positive trait as well. Being a lady in Philly means being tough, standing up for your work and yourself and standing firm for the things you hold near and dear.

19. What is your most prized material possession?
I have a few. A figurine from the Dominican Republic given to me by a close friend before they passed away. My engagement ring and my childhood blanket (Shut up.)

20. Your biggest failure.
I didn’t score chestnuts correctly before trying to roast them and they terrifyingly exploded in my stove. So scary. But really… I don’t think I have reached a point where I feel like I have failed so tremendously. I hope that when I do, I take a lot of learnings from it.

21. What you learned from that failure?
Score my chestnuts better.

22. What is your greatest fear?
I hate letting people down. I really feel a pang to the soul if I can’t come through for someone. I’m scared I won’t be a good mother, it’s a weird fear to have without any true background, but seeing my mother work so hard always made me worry that I would not be as amazing as her. I also can’t think of a life without my fiancè – He is my rock.

23. Where will you be in 30 years?
Hopefully living somewhere warm, retired and growing my own figs.

25. Best date spot?
In Philly my favorite date night included a trip to Barnes and Noble in Rittenhouse, dinner at a Good Dog nook surrounded by cute puppy paintings and singing with Stu Shames at Duel. (Originally the Piano Bar at 19th & Arch ♥)

26. What does happiness mean to you?
I am happy when work is caught up. Bills are paid. Health is good. Sun is out. Boy is close.

27. Twitter or Instagram?
Instagram

28. Describe Philly in a Tweet.
Philly is home to the worlds most beautiful, brutal, honest and perfect people. I don’t care what you think about it either. #TheRealness

29. Who should everyone follow on Instagram?
Everyone should follow @talkingfood because the posts are magical.

Boom – So much happy right now. Thanks to F&F for coming up with this awesome project. It’s important for people to see what the badass women in Philly are up to, their everyday struggles and successes and of course, their favorite cocktails.

Today’s weather, sky color and mood remind me of Halloween 2007. I was aimlessly walking around Chestnut Street, looking for a costume that I had no where to wear to, make up ideas I had no way to implement and just something to do. I was feeling a little down I think and I remember ending up on some Wawa coffee and heading to RNHS for the evening shift. I started not feeling to well, surely some cold was on the front but remember Gabby asking me if I wanted to hang out and go dancing at Silk City.

The answer to that is always yes.

I ended up asking West to come and dance with me. This was before we were dating. He was sick, but like my true love would, he danced with me all night.